10 Simple Alfresco Italian Meal Ideas
Italian Meals, sharing platters and snacks perfect for enjoying outdoors.
Dining alfresco is about simplicity and high-quality staples. When the weather is right, you want a meal that is quick to assemble but full of authentic flavour. Here are ten ideas from Carluccio's for outdoor dining using products currently available in our deli.
1. The Classic Charcuterie Board
The ultimate low-effort outdoor meal. Create a spread using cured meats like Milano Salami and Prosciutto di Parma. These cured meats are best enjoyed at room temperature, served simply with some crusty bread and some of our antipasti or items from our Spring in Liguria collection.
2. Giant Pasta with Fresh Herbs
For a striking summer pasta dish, use our Lumaconi Giganti. These exceptionally large pasta shapes are perfect for catching a simple dressing of melted butter, sage, and a squeeze of lemon.
3. Bresaola Carpaccio
For a light, elegant lunch, lay out slices of air-dried Bresaola. It is incredibly lean and tender. Serve it with a pile of fresh rocket and a generous drizzle of our Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
4. Trofie with Pesto
A staple for any Italian terrace. Toss our Trofie with our authentic Pesto Genovese. The long, flat strands of pasta are the traditional partner for this basil-rich sauce.
5. Antipasto Vegetable Platter
Create a colourful side dish or starter using Sundried Tomatoes and Artichokes in Oil. Since they are already prepared and marinated, they can go straight from the jar onto your serving platter.
6. Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragù
For a more indulgent evening meal outdoors, cook our wide Pappardelle ribbons and toss them with our Wild Boar Ragù. It is a rich, traditional pairing that brings a taste of Tuscany to your garden.
7. Spaghetti with Spicy Tomato Sauce
For a quick meal with a kick, use our Spaghetti paired with our Arrabbiata Sauce. It is a simple, fiery classic that is perfect for a warm summer evening.
8. The Perfect Aperitivo Snack
Before the main meal, put out a bowl of our Taggiasca Olives. These large, bright green olives from Puglia are mild and buttery, making them the perfect partner for a chilled drink.
9. Sweet Hazelnut Treats
Skip the heavy dessert and serve a plate of our Gianduiotti. These iconic foil-wrapped chocolates are made with a smooth blend of cocoa and Piedmont hazelnuts that melt beautifully in the mouth.
10. Coffee Under the Stars
End your alfresco feast with a fresh pot of our Milano Coffee. It is a 100% Arabica blend that is smooth and aromatic—ideal for lingering over conversation as the sun goes down.
Your Italian Summer Pantry
Having these authentic ingredients on hand means you are always ready for an impromptu outdoor meal. From our authentic dried pastas to our traditional sauces, you can find everything you need to eat well all summer long.
